Pakistan and China hold joint Warrior IX counterterrorism exercise

Pakistan and China are conducting a joint counterterrorism exercise, Warrior IX, to strengthen military cooperation. The drill comes at a time of renewed regional instability, with analysts saying it underscores both countries’ determination to deepen security ties.

The two-week exercise, running from 28 November to 14 December 2025, aims to enhance interoperability and reinforce military-to-military cooperation.

Speaking on AnewZ’s Daybreak programme on Friday (12 December), Osama Rizvi, founder of Rizvi Insights, discussed the strategic significance of the drills and explained why Pakistan–China security cooperation remains important.

Rizvi said the exercise takes place amid mounting security challenges in the region, noting that its timing highlights the resilience of the partnership. He said cooperation is driven by the close link between economics and security.

“Pakistan and China are collaborating on the economic front through the CPEC project (China–Pakistan Economic Corridor), and when we talk about economy and trade, security comes with it,” he said.

He added that recent terror incidents, geopolitical tensions, and Pakistan–India border skirmishes over the past two years have reinforced the need for such joint training.

Rizvi noted that Pakistan has “suffered a lot from terrorism” and “done the most in the whole world” to combat it, but isolated attacks show that further preparedness is still required.

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He said joint exercises with China, which has provided military support during past skirmishes, sends a message that "rule-based order needs to be followed."

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Pakistan China Counter terrorism Warrior IX joint military drills South Asia